Gender Differences in Grief Reactions Following the Death of a Parent

This study examined gender differences in psychological functioning in a sample of 65 college students who had experienced the death of a parent. Overall, no gender differences were found on measures of psychological distress. However, an avoidant coping style was related to symptoms of depression in females, but not in males. Students who lost a mother were more likely to report symptoms of depression, hopelessness, & suicide ideation as compared to students who lost a father. Future research implications & the clinical importance of these findings are discussed. (55 refs.)